If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE or Low-Cost Single Supplements

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, Grand Circle travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at FREE or low-cost Single Supplements, saving up to $5000 per person.

FREE Single Supplements on All Adventures and Extensions

If you're a solo traveler, you probably know that most travel companies require a single supplement – a surcharge of between 10% and 100% of the standard rate. However, OAT travelers enjoy their own room or cabin at no extra cost, saving up to $3795 per person.

Grand Circle Foundation: Single Supplements

There is a supplement of $425 for single room accommodations. Single rooms are very limited.

Inspired to see Ireland by a friend, Vacation Ambassador pays it forward

Ireland In Depth is our most referred Land Tour for new travelers. Read about a first-time traveler who chose to experience this trip on the advice of a friend—and find out how easy it is to help others make their vacation dreams a reality by sharing your love of travel as a Vacation Ambassador.

Day by Day Itinerary

As you travel through Ireland, delve deeply into a land rich in history, legend, stirring music, and verdant landscapes. Begin your journey in Galway, an enchanting city on Ireland’s western coast where there’s a tune playing around every corner. Explore the eerie landscape of the Burren and the captivating Cliffs of Moher as you travel to Killarney, home of the 110-mile scenic Ring of Kerry. Then embark for Cork and its nearby seaport of Cobh, where thousands of Irish emigrated during the Potato Famine. Departing Cork, you’ll continue on to Kilkenny—where you'll stay for two nights in this historic city—before finally arriving at the Irish Republic’s cosmopolitan capital, Dublin. This Ireland guided tour is an in-depth discovery of the Emerald Isle—its lore, its lands, and above all, the gregarious charm of its people.

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Arrive in Galway today. A Grand Circle representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, where you'll meet your Program Director and your fellow travelers, including those returning from their Northern Ireland pre-trip extension. Galway is a bustling young city with a lively nightlife. After your arrival, your Program Director will take you for a vicinity walk to explore the area around your hotel, and provide suggestions on how to maximize your day and explore on your own.

Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers over a Welcome Drink, followed by a Welcome Briefing. Then sit down for your first dinner together at your hotel.

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This morning, your Program Director will introduce you to Galway on a walking tour through the city. You have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Galway on your own. This enchanting city is a medley of narrow lanes, wood and stone shop fronts, and bustling restaurants and pubs. Originally presided over by the local O’Flahertys, Galway was taken over by Anglo-Normans and became a thriving center of trade and commerce by the 14th century. European galleons were a regular sight in the city, which was “home” to Spanish merchant ships during their western voyages. Galway declined after being damaged in battle with the forces of Oliver Cromwell in the mid-17th century, but regained its prosperity and vitality in modern times. Today, Galway remains a merchant town, but it is also a burgeoning center for technology and a lively bohemian mecca.

Dinner is on your own tonight. Or, join us for an optional Irish ceili, a celebration of the harvest that usually includes a hearty meal followed by song, stories, and dance. You’ll join local musicians as they explain this traditional Irish celebration. Feel free to join in song and dance with us as we watch the sun go down over Galway Bay. Your optional tour includes a three-course dinner with entertainment.

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Spend the day at leisure, exploring Galway on your own. The city’s compact center spans both sides of the River Corrib. In the center of Eyre Square stands the Quincentennial Fountain, constructed in 1984 to mark the 500th anniversary of the Royal Charter granted by King Richard III that created Galway as an independent city-state. Nearby are some of the oldest streets in Galway, narrow winding lanes that curve in and around old wooden buildings, often meandering off toward the Corrib and the docks. Yet turn a corner and you will find modern Galway—certainly one of the liveliest cities in Europe. Artists and musicians crowd the sidewalks and almost every pub seems to offer live music.

Or, join us for an optional journey through the Connemara region of Galway. Once home to more than two million Irish, it still retains its regional heritage, as you will discover while we ramble around its lakes, mountains, and bogs. We'll visit the former Gothic mansion of Mitchell Henry, now the home of Benedictine nuns and better known as Kylemore Abbey. You'll have time to wander both the mansion and the Victorian gardens. Then cruise Killary, a charming fjord. You’ll enjoy lunch while cruising. On your return, we'll travel through the Inagh Valley to the coast, where we'll see the deserted village of Clough Na Mara and discover a sense of hardship the Irish experienced in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, only the shells of their homes remain—set amidst hundreds of miles of stone walls.

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own.

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This morning, you depart Galway for Killarney after a hearty breakfast. On the way, discover the intense natural beauty of Ireland on an included excursion to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. The Burren's name is derived from a Gaelic word meaning “stony place,” and it is like no other place in Ireland. Instead of peat bogs and pastures, you'll find a surreal moonscape full of huge limestone crags.

The majestic Cliffs of Moher are precipitous rock formations—towering more than 700 feet above the crashing ocean surf at their highest point—that offer breathtaking panoramic views of Ireland's Atlantic coast. These magnificent cliffs provide nesting sites for tens of thousands of seabirds. If the wind is strong, the sea foam and spray flies up and over the cliffs along with the rain; while on clear sunny days, fantastic views can be seen from every angle.

Over the centuries, people have also made their mark, with towers, quarries, and well-worn paths, but they're almost lost in the scale and grandeur of the sea cliffs. One that does stand out is O'Brien's Tower, a huge structure built to house the guests of Cornelius O'Brien, County Clare's legendary Member of Parliament from the 1830s until he died in 1857.

You continue on to Killarney to spend the next three nights. This market town is known for its verdant, rolling hills and glittering loughs (lakes). This afternoon, you'll enjoy an introduction to this area during a ride on a jaunting car (a traditional Irish horse-drawn carriage) for a tour of the forested hills of Killarney National Park, and the Kenmare Estate, a former residence for an Irish noble family.

Dine with your fellow travelers at your hotel this evening, then enjoy an exclusive Discovery Series discussion with a local resident on rural Irish life and growing up on a small farm in the 1950s.

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On this morning's included tour, you'll discover the Ring of Kerry, a drive that traces the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula and offers breathtaking views. There is always something new to appreciate in the combination of ocean, islands, mountains, light, and ever-changing weather patterns. We ride most of the way, making scenic stops.

The first town along the route is Killorglin, where an elegant eight-arched bridge crosses the River Laune. Then you'll advance to the water's edge at Kells, an attractive fishing village with panoramic viewing points.

The next stretch is one of the highlights of the Ring, with outstanding views of the coastline. On the return to Killarney, the route takes you through Moll's Gap, where you'll have an included lunch, and Ladies View, named after Queen Victoria's ladies-in-waiting. The vistas of lakes and mountains remain magnificent today. We'll continue on and return to Killarney, where the afternoon is yours.

Dinner tonight is on your own. Or, join us for an optional performance by the National Folk Theatre, the country's only repertory company, with an included dinner. Using traditional Irish disciplines, the group offers a cultural experience dramatizing the essence of Irish culture, including the folk life of a bygone era. Please note: This optional tour is available on late May-early September departures only.

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Or, join us on an optional tour as we venture out along the Dingle Peninsula. You’ll stop first at Tralee’s Kerry County Museum, where you’ll enjoy the fascinating experience of a recreated medieval street. Then follow the rugged Dingle Peninsula with its wild mountains and some of the most spectacular coastline Ireland has to display. You’ll view the famed Blasket Islands, the most westerly point of Europe, and their prehistoric ring forts and beehive huts. One of Ireland’s largest Irish-speaking areas, the peninsula has attracted many writers and artists for the inspiration the wild landscape offers. The movies Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away were made here. We will stop in the fishing town of Dingle to enjoy locally caught fish (and chips) for lunch, included with the cost of the optional tour.

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After breakfast, we will stop at a working sheep farm and see Ireland’s finest Border Collies in action at a sheepdog demonstration. Please note: This is an outdoor event and is weather-dependent. It will not be conducted in wet, muddy conditions.

Next, you’ll transfer to Cork, stopping for a visit to Blarney Castle, where a 129-step staircase leads up a tower to the famed Blarney Stone. According to legend, anyone who manages the backward lean to kiss it receives the “gift of the gab”—a smooth, soothing way with words that at best mean nothing.

The word “blarney” was coined by Elizabeth I to describe her endless and fruitless discussions with Dermot McCarthy over his surrender of the castle to the Crown. The McCarthys built the present castle with its 85-foot-high keep in 1446, replacing an earlier castle. Though the Blarney Stone gets all the publicity, the castle’s tower house and surrounding gardens are superb in their own right. The castle’s grounds also include caves, dungeons, and a rock garden of ancient trees and weathered stones.

Continue on to historic Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. A walk through this island city takes you into the famous English Market, noted for its wide selection of fresh Irish produce. Discover the rebel city of Cork through its many medieval lanes and back streets.

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This morning, ride to Cobh (pronounced “cove”). This picturesque town long served as the main harbor for the city of Cork, and is dominated by the spire of St. Colman’s Cathedral, which contains the largest carillon in Ireland. This morning, a local historian will give you some insight into Cobh's history.

Cobh was a major emigration point for families who left the country during the Great Potato Famine, when some two-and-a-half million emigrants departed this port for North America. Here you’ll discover the story of Irish emigration and the era of the great ocean liners, when Cobh was a very active port. This was the last place the Titanic dropped anchor before heading across the Atlantic on her tragic journey.

Here you can also pay tribute to the victims of the Lusitania at a quayside memorial. In 1915, this ship was sunk off the coast of Cobh by a German submarine, with a loss of 1,196 passengers, including 127 Americans. This action helped bring America into World War I. Then, enjoy a short, leisurely walk around Cobh accompanied by our local historian. You'll have some free time afterward for your own explorations.

Then, learn about contemporary life in Ireland—and savor a traditional meal—during a Home-Hosted Lunch with a local family.

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Travel from Cork to the city of Kilkenny today, stopping en route to visit Cahir Castle and Waterford.

In its time (13th-15th centuries), Cahir featured a state-of-the-art defensive design, and is now one of Ireland's best-preserved castles. Situated on a rocky island in the River Suir, the castle still boasts its keep, tower, and much of its original structure. The last Lord Cahir died in 1961, at which point the castle came into state stewardship.

Continue on to visit the Waterford Crystal factory, prized the world over as the standard for the highest quality lead-cut crystal. Founded in 1783 by George and William Penrose, the Waterford branch of the company is now part of a worldwide operation that includes such notable brands as Wedgwood and Royal Doulton. You'll learn about the organization's history, and witness a glassblowing demonstration before free time to explore further or shop their fine products. Then, head to a local pub to enjoy a drink and some live music.

Arrive in Kilkenny this evening, where dinner is included at your hotel.

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Kilkenny city straddles both banks of the River Nore in the center of County Kilkenny, and you'll explore it this morning on an included walking tour with your Program Director. Your tour will take you to the sprawling gardens of Kilkenny Castle, an 800-year old stronghold that lords over the city center. Though originally designed to defend a crossing over the River Nore, the castle's grounds today provide a peaceful place for locals and visitors alike to stroll about and admire the impressive artisanal floristry on display.

Later, partake in an exclusive Discovery Series event as you learn about hurling, an energetic and uniquely Irish sport, similar to field hockey or lacrosse, with traditional Gaelic roots. The Irish have been playing the game since the Celts invented it 2,000 years ago, and today you'll learn about it for yourself during a demonstration.

The rest of the day is yours to discover Kilkenny at leisure, and dinner is on your own this evening.

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From Kilkenny, you'll journey to the river town of Avoca, made famous by the Avoca Handweavers. This clothing manufacturer is Ireland's oldest line of business, active since the early 1700s. During an exclusive Discovery Series event, you'll meet with some of the handweavers when you visit Avoca's mill, which happens to be the oldest of its class in all of Ireland.

Then, you'll advance to lovely Glendalough, a glacial valley that would come to be known for a monastery founded here in the sixth century by St. Kevin. The settlement thrived for centuries, but was destroyed by the English in 1398. Among the monks' great achievements was manuscript writing and copying, including the creation of the spectacular Book of Glendalough around 1131. Now at the Bodleian Library at Oxford, the book—containing historical chronicles, genealogies, and religious poems—is one of the most important and beautiful Irish manuscripts from the pre-Norman period.

You'll arrive in Dublin in the afternoon and visit to Trinity College to view the ancient Book of Kells. Believed to have been crafted in AD 800, the Book of Kells is a stunningly illustrated collection of the four Gospels of the New Testament. This evening, join your companions for an included dinner.

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This morning, learn about the history of Ireland's famous brew during a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, a 7-story museum located in a former brewing factory inside the St. James's Gate Brewery. You'll also have a chance to master the technique behind pouring a perfect glass of "the black stuff" during a pint-pulling demonstration.

Continue your exploration of Dublin, the modern-day capital of Ireland, on a guided panoramic tour followed by lunch on your own and an afternoon at leisure to make your own discoveries.

This evening, gather with your Program Director and fellow travelers for a Farewell Dinner.

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Day 14

Dublin • Return to U.S

Meals included:B

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Or continue your discoveries of the Emerald Isle on an optional post-trip extension in Dublin, Ireland.

Extensions

Your discoveries in Northern Ireland begin with two nights in Belfast, where the peace process has brought a revival of optimism to this city rich in Victorian elegance and blossoming with culture. Then spend two nights in the walled city of Londonderry before continuing on to Galway to join your guided tour of Ireland in Depth.

After your guided tour in Ireland continue your discoveries with more time in Dublin, the country’s political and cultural center. Dublin is amazingly rich in literary history—Yeats, Shaw, Beckett, and other literary immortals have walked its streets—and its architecture and museum collections are second to none.

Optional Tours

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Irish ceili & dinner

Day 3 $95 per person

Enjoy a typical Irish Ceili, which is the celebration of the harvest and usually includes a hearty meal followed by song, stories and dance. Tonight you’ll join a group of local musicians at a restaurant as they explain this traditional Irish celebration. Feel free to join in song and dance as you watch the sun go down on Galway Bay and enjoy a three-course dinner.

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Connemara & Kylemore Abbey

Day 4 $95 per person

Once home to more than two million Irish residents, Connemara retains its regional heritage, as you will discover while rambling around its lakes, mountains, and bogs. Visit the former Gothic mansion of Mitchell Henry, now the home of Benedictine nuns and better known as Kylemore Abbey. You will have time to wander both the mansion and the Victorian gardens. Then cruise Killary Harbor, a charming fjord-like inlet. You will enjoy lunch while cruising. Lastly, you’ll see the deserted village of Clough Na Mara, where only shells of 18th- and 19th-century houses remain—set amid hundreds of miles of stone walls.

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National Folk Theatre performance & dinner

Day 6 $95 per person

Enjoy a performance of Siamsa Tíre—the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, and the country’s only repertory company. Using traditional disciplines, Siamsa Tíre offers a cultural experience dramatizing the essence of Irish culture. A siamsa show presents the folk life and tradition of a bygone era. This optional tour includes dinner.

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Dingle Experience

Day 7 $95 per person

Venture out along the Dingle Peninsula, stopping at Tralee’s Kerry County Museum, where you’ll experience a recreated medieval village. Then follow the rugged peninsula with its wild mountains and some of Ireland's most spectacular coastline. One of Ireland’s largest Irish-speaking areas, the wild landscapes continue to inspire writers and artists. We'll stop in the fishing port of Dingle, to enjoy locally caught fish (and chips) for lunch.

Traveler Reviews

There's no better way to learn what a trip is like than from the firsthand experiences of your fellow travelers, and our Traveler Reviews are the real deal—unbiased and unedited—giving you an honest appraisal of the experiences that await you on this trip.

Please note: If you have taken this trip, please log into your My Account & return to this page. You will be prompted to post your review. Reviews are limited to 10,000 characters. Due to our moderation process, please allow up to 72 hours for your review to appear.

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Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Questions and Answers

Want to know more about one of our vacations? Now, when you post a question, travelers who have been on that trip can provide you with an honest, unbiased answer based on their experience—providing you with a true insider’s perspective.

Weather & Regional

Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region of the world you'll discover on this trip. From weather and currency information to details on population, geography, and local history, you'll find a comprehensive introduction to your destinations below.

Visit our “What to Know” page to find information about the level of activity to expect, vaccination information resources, and visa requirements specific to this vacation.

Irish weather is traditionally fickle, even in summer—when temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 60s. Chilly east winds may blow through, so come prepared for anything. Autumn generally comes early, bringing mist, showers, and brisk weather in the 40s. Except for a strip along the east coast, the country receives some rain at least 200 days a year. This wet climate is responsible for Ireland's verdant beauty.

Location: Ireland is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the Irish Sea, and Northern Ireland.

Geography: The ocean is responsible for the rugged western coastline, along which are many islands, peninsulas, and headlands. The main geographical features of Ireland are low central plains surrounded by a ring of coastal mountains. The highest peak is Carrauntuohill (Irish: Corrán Tuathail), which is 1041 m (3414 ft) high. There are a number of sizable lakes along Ireland's rivers, with Lough Neagh the largest in the British Isles. The island is bisected by the River Shannon, at 259 km (161 miles) with a 113 km (70 miles) estuary the longest river in Ireland (and the longest in the British Isles, if the estuary is included), which flows south from County Cavan in the north to meet the Atlantic just south of Limerick.

Time zone: Ireland is five hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6 am in New York, it is 11 am in Ireland.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The Euro is the monetary unit of Ireland. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

Irish weather is traditionally fickle, even in summer—when temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 60s. Chilly east winds may blow through, so come prepared for anything. Autumn generally comes early, bringing mist, showers, and brisk weather in the 40s. Except for a strip along the east coast, the country receives some rain at least 200 days a year. This wet climate is responsible for Ireland's verdant beauty.

Jan

Avg. High46

Avg. Low35

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3

Feb

Avg. High46

Avg. Low34

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.2

Mar

Avg. High49

Avg. Low35

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.4

Apr

Avg. High53

Avg. Low37

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.4

May

Avg. High59

Avg. Low41

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.2

June

Avg. High63

Avg. Low46

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.4

July

Avg. High67

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.7

Aug

Avg. High66

Avg. Low49

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.4

Sept

Avg. High62

Avg. Low45

Avg. Inches of Precipitation2.6

Oct

Avg. High55

Avg. Low41

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.7

Nov

Avg. High49

Avg. Low37

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3

Dec

Avg. High46

Avg. Low34

Avg. Inches of Precipitation3.2

Area: 5,450 square miles

Capital: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, whose national capital is London

Location: Consists of the six counties of Ulster, occupying the northeastern corner of the island of Ireland.

Geography: Northern Ireland was covered by an ice sheet for most of the last ice age, the legacy of which can be seen in the extensive number of drumlins in Counties Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and particularly Down. The centerpiece of Northern Ireland's geography is Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles at 151 square miles. The north Antrim coast features the eerily geometric pillars of the Giant's Causeway, created by ancient volcanic activity.

Time zone: Northern Ireland is five hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in New York, it is 11am in Northern Ireland.

It’s easy to understand foreign currency with our Currency Cheat Sheet. Simply choose the currency you will be using on your trip from the drop-down menu below. The pop-up window will display the real-time conversion of the U.S. dollar to your selected currency.

The British pound sterling is the monetary unit of Northern Ireland. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

What to Know

For more detailed information about this trip, download our Travel Handbook below. This document covers a wide range of information on specific areas of your trip, from passport, visa, and medical requirements; to the currencies of the countries you’ll visit and the types of electrical outlets you’ll encounter. This handbook is written expressly for this itinerary. For your convenience, we've highlighted our travelers' most common areas of interest on this page.

Cuisine

Travel Documents

Passport

It should be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

It should have the recommended number of blank pages (refer to the handbook for details).

The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable.

Visas

U.S. citizens do not need a visa for this trip.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do not travel with a U.S. passport, or will be traveling independently before/after this trip, then your entry requirements may be different. Please check with the appropriate embassy or a visa servicing company. To contact our recommended visa servicing company, PVS International, call toll-free at 1-800-556-9990.

Vaccinations Information

For a detailed and up-to-date list of vaccinations that are recommended for this trip, please visit the CDC’s “Traveler’s Health” website. You can also refer to the handbook for details.

Before Your Trip

Before you leave on your vacation, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

What to Bring

In an effort to help you bring less, we have included checklists within the handbook, which have been compiled from suggestions by Program Directors and former travelers. The lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You might also want to refer to the climate charts in the handbook or online weather forecasts before you pack. Refer to the handbook for details.

Insider Tips

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Special Places & Pastimes

Reopened in 2009, the Ulster Museum in Belfast’s Botanic Garden is home to a rich collection of art, history, and natural science exhibits, with free admission for all. This museum is a true treasure house of the past and present. When you have explored the museum, you can take a stroll through the gardens to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine (two greenhouses), or pop next door and stroll through the campus of Queen’s University.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Special Places & Pastimes

In Cork, there is a recently restored area of the French Quarter north of the main thoroughfare on Patrick Street—from the old Cornmarket area to the River Lee. It has newly paved lanes with coffee shops, bistros, and specialty shops. Stop by the Crawford Art Gallery, located next to the Opera House, for an enriching cultural experience. Admission is free. Photo courtesy of Federico Pedroletti.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Hidden Gems & Highlights

If you want to purchase Irish produce, the best selection can be found at McCambridge’s Delicatessen (38-39 Shop Street) in Galway. You can find great whole-grain Irish bread and a large selection of very tasty farmhouse cheeses for a take-out snack. They also have a covered area on the street for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Unique Food & Drink

One of my favorite “pub grub” places is The Front Door/Sonny’s on Quay Street in Galway. On the outside, it looks like a small traditional pub, but when you go inside, there are small eating areas everywhere with fireplaces and a great atmosphere. It’s a very popular place with locals to catch up on local craic (fun and enjoyable conversation). Pull up a chair nearby! Sonny’s is very casual and comfortable, with reasonably priced food. The seafood chowder always goes down well. Order it with a pint of Guinness. Photo Courtesy of Yellabelly.

Unique Food & Drink

In Galway, Griffin’s Bakery (21 Shop Street) is an award-winning bakery. When you first look at Griffin’s, it simply looks like a great cake shop. But when you pass the bakery counter, you are in a beautiful café: small, cozy, and with the fire always lit, even in the summer. At the back, they have a room for overflow called “the snug,” and upstairs there is the parlor. The décor is very traditional. They do great soup, sandwiches, panini, and freshly baked pizza slices. And if you are not counting calories, the cakes are great.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

Most people like to bring back woolen Aran sweaters. The shops in Galway and Killarney are very competitive—and you can buy them at all price levels depending on the materials used and quality of the sweater.

Local Culture & Etiquette

In Irish pubs, the phrase "a pint of plain" is sometimes used by middle-aged or older men to order a pint of Guinness.

Get more out of the destinations on this trip through our Program Directors' Insider Tips. From suggestions on the best places to find authentic food, drink, and handcrafts, to insights on local customs and cultures, with the Insider Tips below, you can discover a wealth of inside information on your destinations—before you go.

Iconic Items & Handcrafts

You’ll find jewelry that draws inspiration from nature and Celtic art at Brian De Staic Jewelers on High Street in Killarney. Brian’s designs include the fuschia (a flower widely grown in Ireland), the Celtic cross, and the Claddagh ring. He has full knowledge of the ancient Celtic alphabet called ogham, which is written with distinctive strokes, and Brian inscribes lockets in this script. These make a very unique and special gift from Ireland. Brian has even designed St. Patrick’s Day gifts for the American President and First Lady. Sterling silver lockets start at around 45-50 euros ($57-$63).

Hidden Gems & Highlights

In Killarney, Just Desserts is a new bakery that a local woman named Jessica opened in July of 2012. It’s located on Milk Market Lane, one of the city’s oldest streets. The place includes a coffee shop and, as its name implies, sells just desserts. These typically cost three euros (about $4) to take out and four euros (about $5) to eat in. This is a great spot for an after-dinner treat, and stays open until eight in the evening during the summer season. Travelers and locals alike love it.

Resident Experts

Accommodations

Main Trip

Ardilaun Hotel

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

This family-owned hotel is situated on landscaped grounds just half a mile from Galway's city center. Recreational options include access to the Leisure Club, which contains a fitness suite, aerobics studio, spin studio, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room. Each bedroom features a telephone, TV, high-speed Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Killarney Towers

Killarney, Ireland

Located in the heart of the town of Killarney, guests don’t have to travel far to enjoy a variety of leisure activities, since the hotel offers a sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and gym, as well a restaurant and several bars. Your air-conditioned room features a safe, wireless Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

The River Lee Hotel

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Located along the banks of Cork’s Lee River, the Superior First-Class River Lee Hotel provides guests with an up-close view of the area’s verdant scenery. The hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, from bustling local pubs to Cork’s historic monuments. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, library, and bistro/bar. Each air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Pembroke Hotel

Kilkenny, Ireland

Centrally located in Kilkenny’s historic city center, this boutique-style hotel is within walking distance of the Kilkenny Castle and its verdant surrounding grounds. The hotel features an on-site bar and restaurant, while each room includes air conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, free wireless Internet, and private bath with hair dryer.

Ballsbridge Hotel

Basically a Deluxe hotel, but frequently more heavily marketed to business clients or groups. Expect outstanding accommodations and public rooms. May not be as intimate or exclusive or may have less emphasis on atmosphere or personal service.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

This Moderate Deluxe hotel is within walking distance of Dublin's city center, and offers convenient access to locations like St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street—one of Dublin's fashionable shopping areas. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and pub. All non-smoking rooms feature a TV, trouser press, complimentary coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Extensions

Europa Belfast

A dependable, well-maintained hotel with comfortable accommodations and public areas with a full range of services, amenities, and facilities.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Situated in Belfast’s city center, the First-Class Europa Belfast is within close proximity to the city’s shops, museums, and many of Belfast’s famous venues, including the Grand Opera House and Waterfront and Odyssey concert venues. You don’t have to stray far to enjoy a bite to eat, as the hotel features three restaurants. Each of the 272 rooms feature a telephone, flat-screen TV, Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, iron, and hair dryer.

City Hotel Derry

Essentially a First Class establishment with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited. Some first class features may be lacking, but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

Located on the banks of the River Foyle, the Moderate First-Class City Hotel Derry is about a five-minute walk from the historic Derry Walls, which form a promenade around the inner city. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and health club. Your room includes telephone, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Ardilaun Hotel

An above average First Class hotel with some outstanding features and a broad range of services. Guest rooms and public areas are tastefully furnished and very comfortable.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

This family-owned hotel is situated on landscaped grounds just half a mile from Galway's city center. Recreational options include access to the Leisure Club, which contains a fitness suite, aerobics studio, spin studio, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room. Each bedroom features a telephone, TV, high-speed Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Ballsbridge Hotel

Basically a Deluxe hotel, but frequently more heavily marketed to business clients or groups. Expect outstanding accommodations and public rooms. May not be as intimate or exclusive or may have less emphasis on atmosphere or personal service.

Understanding our Hotel RatingsMany of our accommodations feature ratings based on classifications from the Hotel and Travel Index, a travel industry standard for over 70 years. Their unique 10-tier system categorizes hotels as Deluxe, First Class, or Tourist Class, and may further define a category as Superior, Moderate, or Limited-Service.

This Moderate Deluxe hotel is within walking distance of Dublin's city center, and offers convenient access to locations like St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street—one of Dublin's fashionable shopping areas. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and pub. All non-smoking rooms feature a TV, trouser press, complimentary coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Flight Information

Flight Options to Personalize Your Trip

You can choose to stay longer before or after your trip on your own, or combine two vacations to maximize your value.

Extend your vacation and lower your per day cost with our optional pre- and post-trip excursions

Choose our standard air routing, or work with us to select the airline and routing you prefer

Make your own international flight arrangements directly with the airline, applying frequent flyer miles if available

International airport transfers to and from your ship or hotel, including meet and greet service, are available for purchase

Stay overnight in a connecting city before or after your trip

Request to arrive a few days early to get a fresh start on your vacation

Choose to "break away" before or after your trip, spending additional days or weeks on your own

Combine your choice of Grand Circle vacations to maximize your value

Upgrade to business or premium class

The air options listed above may involve additional airfare costs based on your specific choices.

Or, when you make your reservation, you can choose our standard air routing, for which approximate travel times are shown below.

Standard Air Routing

w/out standard air$1995

w/ standard air$2895

Gateway

Travel Time*

Newark, New York (JFK)

7 hrs

Chicago

8 hrs

Atlanta

9 hrs

Baltimore, Washington, DC (Dulles)

10 hrs

Minneapolis

11 hrs

Boston, Dallas, Detroit

12 hrs

Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, OR, Seattle, Tampa

13 hrs

San Francisco

14 hrs

Tucson

19 hrs

*Estimated total time, including connection and layover. Actual travel
time may vary.

The information above reflects approximate flight times from the gateway cities listed to Shannon, Ireland. Routing is based on availability and subject to change. You will receive your final air itinerary approximately 14 days prior to departure.

Pay Early & Save with our Exclusive Good Buy Plan

It’s simple: The earlier you reserve and pay in full by check or electronic funds transfer, the more you’ll save on any 2015 departure of Ireland in Depth

Enjoy the best value by reserving and paying in full as far in advance of your departure as possible—see below for an example of how your savings can add up

By paying in full early, you’ll protect your investment from fuel surcharge increases, currency increases, or other unexpected costs

You’ll also save on your air add-ons and pre- and post-trip extensions, maximizing your value even further

This example demonstrates how you can save, based on a 11/2/15 departure:

ORIGINAL PRICE
per person

SAVE 5%
when you reserve by 2/2/15

SAVE 3%
when you reserve by 4/2/15

Land Tour only price:

$1995

$1895

$1935

Add a 3-night Dublin, Ireland extension:

$495

$470

$480

Add international airfare out of New York:

$900

$855

$873

Total price per person

$3390

$3221

$3288

Total savings per couple

$339

$203

Please note: Prices shown are per person. The savings shown above are per couple and are only an example. Your actual savings will vary depending on how you plan your trip. To receive your eligible savings, you have until the applicable Good Buy Plan deadline to pay in full by check or electronic funds transfer. Eligible savings are calculated on your entire trip price after any non-cash payments have been deducted (credit cards, vouchers, credits, certificates) based on how many months prior to departure you have paid in full. Grand Circle's Good Buy Plan is not applicable on reservations where credit card payments exceed the initial deposit plus Travel Protection Plan amounts, or inside of 90 days of departure.

Maximize your value by using the money you save for an optional trip extension

Call Now 1-800-221-2610

What Makes This Trip Unique

Exclusive Discovery Series Events

Irish history & culture discussion. In Killarney, join a local resident to learn about Irish history and culture in an educational presentation.

Sheepdog demonstration. Visit a local farmer at his family farm in Killarney, where he will demonstrate the extraordinary shepherding skills of his Border Collies (weather permitting).

Home-Hosted Lunch. Learn about contemporary life in Ireland as you share a home-cooked meal with a local family in Cobh.

Hurling demonstration. Discover this Irish sport with Celtic origins during a demonstration in Kilkenny.

10 reasons to experience Ireland in Depth—in the words of our travelers

We often find that the best endorsements of our discovery-rich vacations come directly from our travelers. From lush landscapes dotted with grazing sheep to hearty soups served with fresh-baked bread, here are some memorable experiences our travelers shared from our in-depth Ireland tour.

Scenic landscapes
“Each day of Ireland in Depth was beautiful, with all the green of spring and thousands of sheep ... Masses of bluebells and wild yellow iris contrasted beautifully with the deep green of the grasses. This was an unexpected delight!”An 8-time traveler from Cincinnati, OH

Local cuisine
“The Irish brown bread was so yummy, I had it every day ... Had the best potato leek soup ever. Our home hosted lunch was wonderful. Guinness Stew, salad, and brown bread.”A 4-time traveler from Benson, AZ

Northern Ireland pre-trip extension
“The first thing I will tell anyone contemplating this trip is: Take the N. Ireland pre-trip. The two local guides were wonderful in explaining the history of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. That knowledge and seeing the physical 'history' in Belfast and Derry was so important for the remainder of the trip.”An 8-time traveler from McKinney, TX

Program Directors
“We felt very fortunate that Sean Curran was our tour leader. This guy is incredible!! Very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and just really enhanced our trip and adventures.”A 26-time traveler from Rockport, TX

Killarney, Ireland
“I fell in love with the town of Killarney and its surrounding landscape (which includes the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula). To me, this area represented everything ‘Irish' that I had envisioned before my visit—the small green fields surrounded by dry-stone walls, the sheep and watchful sheep dogs, the thatch-roofed cottages, the smell of peat fires in the air, the misty atmosphere and the warm pubs helped meet my admittedly high expectations and exceeded them in good measure.”An 8-time traveler from Aspen, CO

Galway, Ireland
“Galway is a very vibrant city. There is plenty to see and a lot going on. We had plenty of time there and got to see first-hand how the Irish know how to have fun and enjoy life. They don't seem to let the little things bother them.”A 9-time traveler from Bonita, CA

Home-Hosted Lunch
“A highlight for all of us was to share a meal in a local home in County Cork—a tasty Shepherds Pie and an opportunity to visit with a local family.”A 17-time traveler from Waleska, GA

Blarney Castle
“A highlight for me was kissing the Blarney Stone! I never thought I'd be able to make it up all those steps but it was easy! There are huge ropes on both sides of the stairway that are incredibly useful during the ascent!"A 6-time traveler from Carmel, IN

Cobh, Ireland
“The tour we took in Cobh with a historian was so informative about the Lusitania and the Titanic. Plus knowing that my grandmother (a Collins) probably left from that same building was just awesome.”A 6-time traveler from Sneads Ferry, NC

Connemara & Kylemore Abbey optional tour
“We began our trip in Galway, and from there took the optional expedition to Connemara. ... We first visited Kylemore Abbey, which is a castle-like building in a beautiful, rugged setting on a lake ... We also boarded a small ship for a luncheon sail up Ireland's only fjord, again surrounded on all sides by the hauntingly beautiful landscape. The trip was one of our peak experiences and is not to be missed.”A 5-time traveler from Chester Springs, PA

For reservations and information on our Ireland tour, call us toll-free at 1-800-221-2610

County Kerry: Land of Lakes, Loss, and Legend

The millennia of history nestled within the Emerald Isle’s “rebel county”

by Lyette Mercier for Grand Circle

Thanks to its geographic diversity and relative inaccessibility before modern-day travel, much of County Kerry continues ancient Irish traditions.

Located in Ireland’s southwest, County Kerry is home to some of the Emerald Isle’s most ethereal natural beauty and iconic history. Best known for the scenic Ring of Kerry, Kerry’s spectacular geological features date back to the end of the last ice age ten thousand years ago, when retreating ice sheets cut into the landscape, creating the lakes, valleys, and mountains that enchant visitors to this day.

These spectacular sights—including the interconnected Lakes of Killarney, the breathtaking mountain pass of Moll’s Gap, and the verdant flora throughout the ring—are the rolling green hills of Ireland writ large. Killarney National Park’s 25,000 acres of pristine landscape encompass Ireland’s magical natural beauty: Much of what is today known as the Ring of Kerry rests in this park. Established in 1932, when the owners of the grand Victorian estate Muckross House gifted their 4,000 acres of land to the Irish government, the park was expanded in the 1970s to cover more than 25,000 acres of protected land.

The Lakes of Killarney—glacial Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and the Upper Lake—make up about a quarter of the park. Each lake boasts a unique and diverse ecosystem, with thriving populations of cormorants, deer, salmon, and trout. The park also boasts the country’s largest area of ancient oakwoods, and is home to McGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range, whose peaks top out at a modest 3,414 feet.

Humans have inhabited the area for more than 4,000 years, since the Bronze Age; the remains of a copper mine on the Ross Island peninsula provide evidence of Ireland’s earliest known metalwork. And Christianity arrived in Kerry in the middle of the first millennium, leaving behind early Christian settlement ruins still visible today. Among them is the monastery Saint Finian the Leper founded on Inisfallen Island in Lough Leane (Gaelic for “Lake of Learning.”) Established in the seventh century AD, it remained occupied until the 14th century.

“Rebel county” turned tourist hotspot

In addition to ancient roots, Kerry has a long and proud history as “The Kingdom County,” intermittently warring against British subjugation from the 12th century Norman invasion to the 1918 War for Independence, when Kerry was a republican stronghold. Among its most significant losses in the long fight against England was the end of the Nine Years War in 1603, when much of Kerry’s land was confiscated by the British and given to English settlers. Irish farmers, unable to own land and forced tenants to the British, were kept poor by the rents they were required to pay the crown.

A century and a half later, Thomas Browne, 4th Viscount of Kenmare and a prominent Irish landowner and politician, came up with the idea of improving the local economy through the modern tourist trade. By promoting the area’s pristine nature as an idyllic spot for visiting English gentry to enjoy their fishing and hunting holidays, the town of Killarney developed from a modest village into a thriving center for tourism and trade.

Kerry’s renown had grown so much by 1861 that Queen Victoria herself came to see the sights. Ladies’ View, a scenic spot between Killarney and Kenmare, was named for the queen’s ladies in waiting, who vocally admired the magnificent views there. The writings of famed poets, including Tennyson and Wordsworth, further cemented Killarney’s reputation as an international vacation destination.

While English rule developed the world’s appreciation for Kerry’s beauty, it proved ill-suited for the management of the county’s people. The landlord/tenant system disintegrated when farmers’ main crop and food source—the potato—failed. During the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1852, approximately one million citizens died; just as many emigrated to escape such a fate. Areas of County Kerry lost up to 30% of their population, a loss that still contributes to the county’s areas of windswept isolation today.

Ancient traditions in a modern day

Thanks to its geographic diversity and relative inaccessibility before modern-day travel, much of County Kerry continues ancient Irish traditions. Six Kerry towns are classified by the government as Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking), with Gaelic spoken as the primary language. The fishing town of Dingle, on a craggy peninsula of the same name, is the largest of these, with a population of nearly 2,000. Although areas where Gaelic Irish is spoken as a first language are in decline, it is still taught in schools, in hopes of preserving this precious tradition for the future.

From its formation in the ice age to 4,000 years of human habitation, County Kerry retains memories both natural and manmade from its entire varied history. Its beauty and longevity will no doubt continue to enchant visitors for generations to come.

Photos From Our Travelers

On location in Ireland

Here’s how Grand Circle travelers have captured moments of discovery, beauty, friendship, and fun on previous departures of our Ireland in Depth vacation. We hope these will evoke special travel memories and inspire you to submit your own favorite Grand Circle Travel trip photos.

“Our tour guide wanted to show us some of the sites in the vicinity of Galway and took us to Salt Beach. This is the part of town where the locals get their walking and swimming in. She encouraged us to test the water ... a good icebreaker (no pun intended) since the tour members on the pre-trip and main trip had just joined up and hadn't had a chance to get to know each other yet.” Photo by Paul Motyka, 7-time traveler from Acton, Massachusetts.

Pausing along the Ring of Kerry, Margaret Slavin and Program Director, Barbara Long, share camaraderie and a pose for photographer Bud Slavin. Margaret and Bud are 2-time travelers from Columbus, North Carolina.

Castle-like Kylemore Abbey, Ireland’s oldest Benedictine abbey, is home to a community of nuns who have continuously lived here since 1920. Al Brown, 15-time traveler from Sedona, Arizona, captured the magical setting.

Mildred and Paul Arnold, 8-time travelers from Germantown, Ohio, “ … with our Home-Hosted Hostess, Maureen Mahon, who served us a wonderful lunch of Shepherd's Pie. This is a view from her patio in Cobh looking over the harbor and the Celtic Sea.”

How to submit your photos:

Please be sure to include the name of your Grand Circle vacation, along with the travel dates. Tell us where you took the photo and, if you’d like, tell us why. And don’t forget to include your name and contact information.

Please note: By submitting a photo, you (i) represent and warrant that the photo is your original work created solely by yourself and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any party; (ii) grant to Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates a worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, transferable, irrevocable, non-exclusive and fully sublicensable right and license to use, in any and all related media whether now known or hereafter devised, in perpetuity, anywhere in the world, with the right to make any and all commercial or other uses thereof, including without limitation, reproducing, editing, modifying, adapting, publishing, displaying publicly, creating derivative works from, incorporating into other works or modifying the photo and (iii) hereby release and discharge Grand Circle LLC and its affiliates, officers and employees from and against any and all claims, liabilities, costs, damages and expenses of any kind arising out of or relating to the use by Grand Circle LLC of any photo submitted.

Inspired to see Ireland by a friend, Vacation Ambassador pays it forward

By David Valdes Greenwood for Grand Circle Travel

Discover the Emerald Isle through the eyes of first-time traveler Sally Robbins, who was referred to Grand Circle Travel by a friend, and see why Ireland in Depth is our most referred Land Tour.

Retired dog groomer Sally Robbins of Mashpee, Massachusetts, had never traveled on a group tour—and wasn’t planning on it either. That is, until she saw the brochure for Grand Circle’s Ireland in Depth vacation on her friend Andre Corbeau’s coffee table. “Andre’s been on 12 of your trips and he’s a great ambassador for you, but I hadn’t really considered it until seeing that catalog,” she recalls. “I asked if there was a trip to Ireland in his future and when he said yes, I said, ‘I’ve always dreamed of going there.’”

As an avid reader, Sally has long favored books set on the Emerald Isle after being “hooked” by her first few. And while she was still a little nervous about going on a group trip, she trusted Andre and reserved her vacation on his referral. “I wanted to go my whole life, so I had very high expectations—and Grand Circle exceeded them. It was fascinating to see the places I’d only read about. I’m not a city girl, so I especially liked Connemora and the Dingle Peninsula. I loved watching how the landscapes changed as we went on.”

It wasn’t just the charming landscapes of Ireland that made her vacation so memorable—Sally was impressed by the “fantastic” accommodations throughout her trip. And for a traveler hesitant to take a group tour, like Sally, a communal touch makes a big difference. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming in the group. By the second day, we were like a big family, including our awesome Program Director and our bus driver, who was great. …You could never on your own see all of the things that I saw with Grand Circle. Honestly, I was in awe of everything.”

With such a positive experience under her belt from a Vacation Ambassador, she decided to become one herself. “I came home and just couldn’t stop talking about the trip. I just couldn’t say enough good things about Grand Circle. A friend was thinking of going to London, and I told her to take your trip to see Scotland and Wales as well. She and her friend are now booked—my first referrals!”

It’s easy to earn rewards as a Vacation Ambassador:

REFER: Inspire new travelers to reserve any vacation and they’ll save $100 instantly when they mention your name and Customer Number

EARN: You’ll earn $100 CASH for your first referral, and up to $5900 for eight referrals

REPEAT: Enjoy increasing CASH rewards for every additional new traveler you refer—it’s unlimited

A new traveler is a person who has never traveled with Grand Circle or Overseas Adventure Travel and does not currently have a departure reserved with Grand Circle or OAT. Standard Terms & Conditions apply. Every effort has been made to represent this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.

Ireland in Depth

Call us to reserve your next vacation 1-800-221-2610

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Ardilaun Hotel

This family-owned hotel is situated on landscaped grounds just half a mile from Galway's city center. Recreational options include access to the Leisure Club, which contains a fitness suite, aerobics studio, spin studio, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room. Each bedroom features a telephone, TV, high-speed Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Located in the heart of the town of Killarney, guests don’t have to travel far to enjoy a variety of leisure activities, since the hotel offers a sauna, steam room, swimming pool, and gym, as well a restaurant and several bars. Your air-conditioned room features a safe, wireless Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Located along the banks of Cork’s Lee River, the Superior First-Class River Lee Hotel provides guests with an up-close view of the area’s verdant scenery. The hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions, from bustling local pubs to Cork’s historic monuments. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, indoor pool, spa, library, and bistro/bar. Each air-conditioned room features a flat-screen TV and complimentary wireless Internet access.

Centrally located in Kilkenny’s historic city center, this boutique-style hotel is within walking distance of the Kilkenny Castle and its verdant surrounding grounds. The hotel features an on-site bar and restaurant, while each room includes air conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, free wireless Internet, and private bath with hair dryer.

This Moderate Deluxe hotel is within walking distance of Dublin's city center, and offers convenient access to locations like St. Stephen's Green, Temple Bar, and Grafton Street—one of Dublin's fashionable shopping areas. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and pub. All non-smoking rooms feature a TV, trouser press, complimentary coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Situated in Belfast’s city center, the First-Class Europa Belfast is within close proximity to the city’s shops, museums, and many of Belfast’s famous venues, including the Grand Opera House and Waterfront and Odyssey concert venues. You don’t have to stray far to enjoy a bite to eat, as the hotel features three restaurants. Each of the 272 rooms feature a telephone, flat-screen TV, Internet access, coffee- and tea-making facilities, iron, and hair dryer.

City Hotel Derry

Located on the banks of the River Foyle, the Moderate First-Class City Hotel Derry is about a five-minute walk from the historic Derry Walls, which form a promenade around the inner city. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, and health club. Your room includes telephone, TV, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with hair dryer.

Enjoy a typical Irish Ceili, which is the celebration of the harvest and usually includes a hearty meal followed by song, stories and dance. Tonight you’ll join a group of local musicians at a restaurant as they explain this traditional Irish celebration. Feel free to join in song and dance as you watch the sun go down on Galway Bay and enjoy a three-course dinner.

Connemara & Kylemore Abbey - $95/person

Once home to more than two million Irish residents, Connemara retains its regional heritage, as you will discover while rambling around its lakes, mountains, and bogs. Visit the former Gothic mansion of Mitchell Henry, now the home of Benedictine nuns and better known as Kylemore Abbey. You will have time to wander both the mansion and the Victorian gardens. Then cruise Killary Harbor, a charming fjord-like inlet. You will enjoy lunch while cruising. Lastly, you’ll see the deserted village of Clough Na Mara, where only shells of 18th- and 19th-century houses remain—set amid hundreds of miles of stone walls.

National Folk Theatre performance & dinner - $95/person

Enjoy a performance of Siamsa Tíre—the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, and the country’s only repertory company. Using traditional disciplines, Siamsa Tíre offers a cultural experience dramatizing the essence of Irish culture. A siamsa show presents the folk life and tradition of a bygone era. This optional tour includes dinner.

Dingle Experience - $95/person

Venture out along the Dingle Peninsula, stopping at Tralee’s Kerry County Museum, where you’ll experience a recreated medieval village. Then follow the rugged peninsula with its wild mountains and some of Ireland's most spectacular coastline. One of Ireland’s largest Irish-speaking areas, the wild landscapes continue to inspire writers and artists. We'll stop in the fishing port of Dingle, to enjoy locally caught fish (and chips) for lunch.

Sheila O'Connell

99% of travelers rated Sheila as "excellent"

"Sheila O'Connell was fantastic! Her outgoing personality, her wit, her knowledge, her helpful tips, and always going the extra mile for all of us made this an experience to remember. So evident in everything she did was her love of her country and wanting to share that with all of us travelers."

Myrtle Ann Hoffmeister 3-time traveler from Chesterfield, Missouri

Get to know Sheila

Born

Killarney, Ireland

Resides

Killarney, Ireland

Languages

English

Hobbies & Interests

Walking, theater, cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends

With us since 2010

I grew up in a rural area close to Killarney in a small, close-knit community of eight families who all looked out for one another. Each family grew their own vegetables, and if something was not available in our garden we would get it from our neighbors, and vice versa. Nobody had very much in the line of material goods, but we never felt deprived as everybody had pretty much the same. We lived close to the lakeshore, and when all the pre-teen children had our chores done in the mornings, we would go there and stay all day, with the older children looking out for the younger. We enjoyed a freedom that children today can only dream about.

I have an immense passion and love for Ireland, and this is what I share with my travelers. I want the magic of Ireland to capture my travelers’ hearts, minds, and imaginations. So when I see a special landscape, a rainbow, or two cars stopped in the middle of a country road while the occupants have a chat, I alert my travelers. I will point out the farmer working on the peat bog, or children playing Irish hurling. I use poetry to describe the beauty, the lifestyle, the landscape, and historical events. I hope it helps people to capture the spirit of Ireland.

Barbara Long

99% of travelers rated Barbara as "excellent"

"Barbara exceeded expectations on every level. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, wit, and humor added to the enjoyment and enrichment of the travel experience. Truly excellent!"

Carole Awad 6-time traveler from Tampa, Florida

Get to know Barbara

Born

Dublin, Ireland

Resides

Tullamore, Ireland

Languages

English, Irish, French, and German

Hobbies & Interests

Walking, golfing, reading, cooking, and interior decorating

With us since 2005

Growing up in Ireland was wonderful. It’s a fantastic country with a fabulous coastline, beautiful greenery, and hills, forests, mountains, oceans, and lakes. I had very friendly neighbors, great friends, excellent schools, and a terrific university life. My parents loved to travel and always took us, as children, in tow. We enjoyed holidays by the sea and the outdoors. My parents were very active and our days were filled with outdoor activities like walking, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, and picnicking.

My love of Ireland—and also my experience of life in the U.S.—helps me connect with travelers. Because I lived in the U.S. for a time as a travel agent in St. Louis, Missouri, I’m able to share Ireland with full knowledge to our American travelers, since I understand their interests and it gives me the ability to explain and highlight the differences in culture between the two countries.

I encourage travelers to watch local TV programs or read our newspapers, books, etc.—and then have discussions on these social, economic, and political topics. I am most proud of our Irish hospitality, and tell travelers to go to pubs and restaurants and engage with the locals—even stand at bus stops and just listen to local accents.

Questions about this trip?

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Privately Owned Fleet

Our worldwide fleet of private river ships—many of which are award-winning—was custom-built especially to meet the needs of our travelers. Whether you’re in Europe or Russia, you’ll travel exclusively with other Americans—for the ultimate in camaraderie.

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Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

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With FREE Single Supplements, we offer the best value for solo travelers in the industry, guaranteed. Plus, our expert, resident Program Directors, Roommate Matching Service, and online forums help you make personal connections. Watch our video to see why solo travel is better with Grand Circle.

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Every time you travel with Grand Circle and OAT, you'll receive a Frequent Traveler Credit worth 5% of the advertised cost of your trip, applicable toward your next Grand Circle or OAT vacation you take within one year.

Group Leader Program

At Grand Circle, we strongly believe that word of mouth is our best advertisement. And it works. Just ask the more than 500 Group Leaders who have chosen a Grand Circle trip for their travelers this year—and traveled FREE! Watch our video to learn how.

Travel Protection Plan

Watch our video to learn about the benefits of our Travel Protection Plan. You can cancel your Grand Circle vacation at any time—up to the day of your departure, and for any reason—and retain the FULL value of your trip, including your deposit.

Last Minute Travel Deals

Act now for terrific savings on last-minute departures, available only on our website. Our Last Minute Travel Deals are updated frequently, so be sure to check back often! Space is very limited—and at these prices, will sell out quickly—so sign in for exclusive access to our Last Minute Special Travel Deals

Travel Parties

Earn rewards up to a FREE TRIP when you host a Travel Party. A Grand Circle Representative will share a vacation presentation, a raffle, and exclusive savings for your guests. For each new traveler who reserves after your party, you’ll earn increasing rewards, valued up to $5,800.

Worldwide Discovery

Traveling with Grand Circle is about more than sightseeing. It’s about immersing yourself in other cultures, sharing the warm camaraderie of like-minded American travelers, and feeling comfortable, safe, and well-cared for every step of the way....

Grand Circle Advantages

Grand Circle invites you to travel with the leader in worldwide learning and discovery and bring your travel dreams to life, thanks to the principles that ground every one of our vacations: value, choice, discovery, and careful pacing.

The Grand Circle Experience

Watch our video of travelers on location on our River Cruises and Land Tours, and you’ll see the discoveries that await you—not to mention the spirited camaraderie of our trips, a quality that singles and couples alike often cite as a highlight of their travel experience.

Program Directors

No matter where in the world you venture with Grand Circle, you'll have one of our resident, expert Program Directors by your side, every step of the way. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching vacation.

Personalize your trip

Airport Transfers

We’ve listened to your feedback, and will now offer international airport transfers to and from your hotel to our travelers who choose to purchase their own airfare on any Grand Circle vacation as part of our Personalize Your Trip program, which allows you create the Grand Circle vacation that's right for you.

Inner Circle Club

Many Grand Circle travelers return to discover the world with us time and time again, and to show our appreciation, we've created the Inner Circle, a membership rewards program for travelers who've joined us on three or more vacations.

People and Culture

Grand Circle Foundation

Alan and Harriet Lewis created the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation with the mission of changing people’s lives through travel—which includes both the travelers who journey with OAT, and the local people who welcome us so warmly into their homelands.

Cuba People-to-People

Grand Circle Foundation is one of the few organizations sanctioned by the U.S. government to offer legal, fully-licensed travel to Cuba. By limiting our group size to just 12-20 participants on each of our two unique programs, we’re able to provide you with rich insights into Cuban life.

Facebook

Learn more about our Facebook online community, a place where you can stay connected with Grand Circle and your fellow travelers. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get advice, find travel companions, learn what’s new at Grand Circle, share your photos, videos, and stories, and more.

Traveler Celebration Events

Our regional Traveler Celebration Events are opportunities for you to meet other world travelers who share your passion for learning and discovery, swap travel stories, and give us feedback on how we can to make your experience even better—plus, you’ll be one of the first to preview upcoming trips.

Want to get to know us?

Join us for a free and informative Travel Presentation & Reception in your area EXCLUSIVELY for new customers, and discover why—with Grand Circle & Overseas Adventure Travel—your next trip will be the experience of a lifetime. At this event and luncheon, you will learn what sets our travel company apart from the rest.

Upcoming Events in Boston

If you live in or around Greater Boston, or plan to visit the area in the future, I hope you’ll consider joining Grand Circle in Harriet’s Corner—the special space in our Boston headquarters that serves as a physical embodiment of the “virtual” community we share online.

Grand Circle Gallery

Grand Circle Gallery in Boston invites you to view our extensive collection of vintage travel posters and breathtaking black-and-white photography from Alan and Harriet Lewis’ private collection, as well as special exhibits on other travel-related themes.

Any questions? Schedule a call with our expert Travel Counselors at a time that’s convenient for you. Fill out the form to the right, and we’ll call you to:

Find your best possible value

Compare travel dates based on weather, pricing, and more

Coordinate plans with friends or family

Check the availability of single spaces and extensions

Answer any other questions

Or, make your reservation

Our Travel Counselors are ready to answer any questions you have about your reservation—simply complete the form to the right to get started. A member of our Traveler Support Department will contact you by your preferred method to answer your questions, which may include: